The International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG) is a multidisciplinary, scientific platform for widening the debate on problems of Ethics applied to Geosciences.
The IAPG is affiliated to the IUGS - International Union of Geological Sciences, AGI - American Geosciences Institute, GSA - Geological Society of America, GSL - Geological Society of London, GIRAF - Geoscience Information in Africa Network, ICPHS - International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences

Geoethics deals with the ethical, social and cultural implications of Earth Sciences education, research and practice and the social role and responsibility of geoscientists in conducting their activities. It concerns theoretical and practical aspects of decisions regarding management and mitigation of geohazards, use of geo-resources, development of geoeducational strategies and the search for solutions to geo-environmental problems. Geoethics should become an essential point of reference for any action on land, water and atmosphere use for which all stake-holders and decision-makers are held accountable.

The 2012 and 2013 sessions on Geoethics at the EGU General Assembly were a great success and demonstrated the urgent need for the scientific community to reflect on how to best serve society, improve the quality of human life and promote sustainable development on planet Earth.

Among the critical ethical issues faced by geoscientists, natural hazards have a primary importance. The deaths, injuries, displacement and economic costs associated with them are increasing, in part due to rapid population increase, occupation of marginal/unsafe land and the misuse of land.

Many natural disasters can be prevented and/or their impact reduced. Geoscientists must play a fundamental role in protecting society, by educating the youths, communicating their knowledge and scientific results to the public and policy makers. This includes suggesting models, methods and ideas to inform and influence decision making for risk reduction programs, designing and implementing risk reduction strategies, organizing geoeducation activities and promoting environmentally sustainable and/or socially compatible use of natural resources.

Conveners invite authors to submit abstracts with their views, reflections, suggestions and experiences in an ethical perspective that could be helpful in understanding problems and finding solutions for a successful interaction between scientific community, media, institutions and local populations, with the overall aim of improving the effectiveness of measures to protect people and their assets from natural hazards.

The session is organized by the IAPG - International Association for Promoting Geoethics (http://www.iapg.geoethics.org/).

The abstract submission deadline is 16 January 2014, 13:00 CET.

In case you would like to apply for financial support, please submit an application no later than 29 November 2013.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

The Cyclone Phailin is striking India. Dr. Shrikant Limaye, Vice-President of the IAPG, asks to publish a "Guidelines document" for disaster management for cyclones.

Please, kindly forward the guidelines to your colleagues and friends in areas affected by cyclones.

Thank you.

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Guidelines for disaster management for cyclones

The actions that need to be taken in the event of a cyclone threat can broadly be divided into four classes, viz., (i) immediately before the cyclone season; (ii) when cyclone alerts and warnings are on; (iii) when evacuations are advised; and (iv) when the cyclone has crossed the coast.

Keep monitoring the warnings. This will help you to prepare for a cyclone emergency.

Pass on the information to others.

Ignore rumors and do not spread them; this will help to avoid panic situations.

Believe in the official information

When a cyclone alert is on for your area continue normal working but stay alert to the radio warnings.

Remember that a cyclone alert means that the danger is within 24 hours. Stay alert.

When your area is under cyclone warning get away from low-lying beaches or other low-lying areas close to the coast Leave early before your way to high ground or shelter gets flooded Do not delay and run the risk of being marooned If your house is securely built on high ground take shelter in the safer part of the house. However, if asked to evacuate do not hesitate to leave the place.

Board up glass windows or put storm shutters in place.

Provide strong suitable support for outside doors.

If you do not have wooden boards handy, paste paper strips on glasses to prevent splinters. However, this may not avoid breaking windows.

Get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking. Store extra drinking water in suitably covered vessels.

If you are to evacuate the house move your valuable articles to upper floors to minimize flood damage.

Have hurricane lantern, torches or other emergency lights in working conditions and keep them handy.

Small and loose things, which can fly in strong winds, should be stored safely in a room.

Be sure that a window and door can be opened only on the side opposite to the one facing the wind.

Make provision for children and adults requiring special diets.

If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a lull in the wind and rain lasting for half and hour or so. During this time do not go out; because immediately after that very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction.

Switch off electrical mains in your house.

Remain calm.

(iii) When evacuation is instructed

Pack essentials for yourself and your family to last you a few days, including medicines, special foods for babies and children or elders.

Head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for your area.

Do not worry about your property

At the shelter follow instructions of the person in charge.

Remain in the shelter until you have been informed to leave

(iv) Post-cyclone measures

You should remain in the shelter until informed that you can return to your home.